2025 BMW X3 spied for the first time

The next-generation 2025 BMW X3 mid-size SUV has been caught on camera for the first time, more than two years before the first examples are due to roll off the production line.

Snapped by Drive's spy photography partners in Europe, the next generation of BMW Australia's best-selling model looks to be fractionally larger than the vehicle it replaces, ensuring a gap between the X3 and its smaller, front-drive X1 sibling.

While it wears heavy camouflage, the new X3 (codenamed G45) looks to borrow cues from the flagship XM super SUV, with near-square 'kidney' grille surrounds, a sharp shoulder line that follows the window line, broad rear haunches and a large rear (D-) pillar.

Flush-fitting door handles feature – as per the 4 Series Gran Coupe, and other recent BMW models – along with single-piece headlights, ensuring the 7 Series and X7's split lights remain exclusive to BMW's flagship offerings.

The four exhaust tips in the rear bumper indicate this prototype could be an X3 M – or, more likely, the next-generation 'M Performance' variant, which insiders say will wear the X3 M50i moniker (rather than M40i today).

The next X3's interior isn't visible in these spy photos, however the inclusion of BMW's latest iDrive infotainment and connectivity technology is fair to expect.

With production not due to begin until mid-2024, the 'G45' X3 could be one of the first BMWs to benefit from the next (ninth) generation of of iDrive – given new iDrive versions are usually released every two to three years, and the current iDrive 8 system launched in 2021.

According to BMW insiders, the next X3 will retain a choice of traditional petrol and diesel engines – but more focus will be placed on electrified drivetrains, across hybrids and, most likely, a new electric iX3.

It's expected to remain on a rear-wheel-drive platform, possibly an evolution of the current X3's CLAR architecture – which will be nearly a decade old by the time the new G45 X3 begins rolling off the production line.

BMW is developing a fresh 'Neue Klasse' architecture for bespoke electric-only cars, including one in the mid-size car segment – however it remains to be seen how this integrates with the petrol- and diesel-engined 2025 X3.

A new X3 M will be offered, and it's certain to offer some form of electrification, either mild-hybrid, plug-in hybrid or all-electric tech – as this year's new M2 coupe will be the last non-electrified model from BMW M.

Today's BMW X3 can be had with a spread of turbocharged four-cylinder and six-cylinder petrol and diesel engines, offering up to 285kW/500Nm in the 3.0-litre petrol X3 M40i – excluding the 375kW/650Nm X3 M Competition.

The next-generation 2025 BMW X3 slated to go into production in August 2024, according to company insiders online – exactly seven years after the current 'G01' model – which would translate to an Australian launch before the end of 2024.

Fans of sleeker designs will be pleased to hear a new X4 'coupe' SUV is reportedly in the works, with production slated to commence in December 2025, pointing to an Australian launch in the first half of 2026.